Beyond Tears: Living after Losing a Child

Mitchell, Ellen, Volpe, Rita, et al

Notes:

Meant to comfort and give direction to bereaved parents, Beyond Tears is written by nine mothers who have each lost a child. This revised edition includes a new chapter written from the perspective of surviving siblings.

The death of a child is that unimaginable loss no parent ever expects to face. In Beyond Tears, nine mothers share their individual stories of how to survive in the darkest hour. They candidly share with other bereaved parents what to expect in the first year and long beyond:

Harmonious relationships can become strained
There is a new definition of what one considers “normal”
The question “how many children do you have?” can be devastating
Mothers and fathers mourn and cope differently
Surviving siblings grieve and suffer as well
There simply is no answer to the question “why?”

This sharing in itself is a catharsis and because each of these mothers lost her child at least seven years ago, she is in a unique position to provide perspective on what newly bereaved parents can expect to feel. The mothers of Beyond Tears offer reassurance that the clouds of grief do lessen with time and that grieving parents will find a way to live, and even laugh again.

Reviews

“[An] eloquent volume… Bereaved parents will find comfort, sympathy and support in this powerful, honest sharing of one of life’s most painful experiences.” —Publishers Weekly

“The thoughts and feelings related here are incredibly honest and courageous and would greatly assist any parent who has lost a child and feels alone. Highly recommended.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“[Beyond Tears] lets readers know that there are folks out there who have been in their shoes, felt their feelings and learned to live life again.” —The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)

Amazon

I lost my son on New Year’s Eve and was sort of lost. I did not want to go to any sort of therapy or group meetings; I have always been a shy person. My husband suggested finding a book and I found this one. As I read it, I discovered that many of the little things that I could not do were written in these pages.

This book allowed me to know that the way I was feeling was ok and that there is no timetable for grief. I kept thinking that after 6 months I should feel better, but the women in this book made me realize that the grief does not go away; you just learn to manage it in whatever way you can.

Anyone who has lost a child should read this book; no matter how you are grieving, you will find that one of these nine women have probably felt the same things and it really is comforting to know that you are not the only one and that you are not going just a little crazy.

Barnes & Noble

Since my son was killed in an auto accident I read every book I could looking for help. I got more help from this book than any other…It was a like a lifeline. After reading it I bought an additional copy which I actually cut up and left parts around my home for reassurance and comfort. When someone asks me what can they do for a friend who has lost a child, I recommend this book. Since it is written by nine mothers (and nine fathers) who each have a different perspective and different way their child died, this is a book for every bereaved parent, but it is also a book that should be read by everyone. This new edition also has a chapter written by siblings. The loss of a child is a loss like no other and this book is a guide for family, friends and professionals offering insight and understanding and an inside unobstructed view into the real world of the bereaved parent.

GoodReads

This book was written by 9 mothers who all lost their child. They met years ago while attending a support group with ‘Compassionate Friends’.

The death of a child is unimaginable —[my close friend lost her 32 year old son yesterday] —

I’ll be giving this book to my friend Cheryl (and her husband Mike).

The purpose of this book is to provide perspective on what newly bereaved parents might expect to feel.

Here is a quote from **Publishers Weekly**. Their words say it all!!!!
…”An eloquent volume…Bereaved parents will find comfort, sympathy, and support in this powerful, honest sharing of one of life’s most painful experiences.”

I was very touched by this book!
I read it in loving memory of Eric Laschinger!